Your Must-Stop Guide to Clines Corners, New Mexico: A Route 66 Legend
When you’re cruising along I-40 through the wide-open plains of New Mexico, one iconic stop looms on the horizon, promising a break from the road and a taste of classic Americana: Clines Corners Travel Center.
More than just a gas station, Clines Corners is a piece of living history, a colossal rest stop famous for its massive gift shop and its deep ties to the legendary Route 66. Whether you’re a history buff, a souvenir hunter, or just in need of a clean restroom, here’s why this New Mexico landmark deserves a spot on your road trip itinerary.
The Origin Story: How Clines Corners Was Founded
The history of Clines Corners is a perfect microcosm of early 20th-century road-trip commerce, directly tied to the development of America’s highways.
Roy E. Cline’s Vision (1934)
The travel center was established in 1934 by an opportunistic entrepreneur named Roy E. Cline. His initial vision was simple: to provide a place for “weary travelers to stop, shop, and eat.”
Cline built his first gas station and café at the intersection of what were then New Mexico State Highways 2 and 6. This solitary post on the arid plain was perfectly positioned between the towns of Moriarty and Santa Rosa, long before the modern highway was established.
The Route 66 Realignment
The business’s fortunes, and its eventual location, were forever changed by New Mexico politics and the famous Route 66.
The Original Route 66: Initially, Route 66 took a long, northern detour through Santa Fe.
The Santa Rosa Cutoff: In 1937, a political dispute led to the creation of a shorter, more direct route that bypassed the state capital. This new segment of road (originally NM 6) was paved and incorporated into the re-aligned U.S. Route 66 (and U.S. 285). The new route shaved approximately 90 miles off the trip between Santa Rosa and Albuquerque.
To stay on the newly-popularized highway, Roy Cline had to move his entire business. He purchased land at the new intersection and successfully lobbied mapmakers to officially include his stop, cementing the name Clines Corners on the map—and in history.
The rest stop at the intersection of the historic route and US 285 became an essential stop for travelers heading across the state, ensuring its prosperity even when the Interstates eventually took over.
What to See and Do at Clines Corners Today
Today, the Clines Corners Travel Center has grown far beyond a simple gas station. Located at the intersection of Interstate 40 (I-40) and U.S. Route 285, it stands as a bustling, 30,000+ square-foot retail haven for both truckers and tourists.
1. New Mexico’s Largest Gift Shop
The main draw is arguably the colossal retail center. Billed as the largest gift shop in New Mexico, it’s a treasure trove of Southwestern kitsch and authentic Native American crafts. You can spend a good hour or more browsing:
Southwestern Souvenirs: Everything from miniature personalized license plates and Route 66 magnets to unique pottery and jewelry.
Local Delicacies: Be sure to check out the selection of freshly made fudge and a variety of New Mexico’s famed green chile products.
2. Fuel, Food, and Rest
For the weary traveler, the center offers all the modern conveniences you need for a long journey:
Full Service: 24/7 gas and diesel fuel, spacious parking for cars and trucks, and an RV park.
Dining Options: A full-service restaurant (sometimes called the “Cafe on Route 66”) offers classic diner food, including the state’s famous green chile cheeseburgers, alongside a fast-food outlet like Subway.
Traveler Amenities: You’ll find clean facilities, including restrooms and showers, a welcome sight on any long drive through the arid landscape.
Finding Clines Corners on Your Road Trip
Whether you are traveling the path of old Route 66 or simply navigating I-40 across the country, Clines Corners, NM is easy to find.
Location Detail Information
- Location Central New Mexico (Torrance County)
- Highways Junction of I-40 (Exit 218) and US Route 285
- Distance from Albuquerque Approximately 60 miles East
- Distance from Santa Rosa Approximately 60 miles West
- Attraction Type Unincorporated community, travel center, and roadside attraction.
Make it Your Next New Mexico Pit Stop
From its founding by Roy E. Cline in 1934 to its current status as a colossal I-40 rest stop, Clines Corners remains a crucial and beloved landmark. It embodies the perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit of the American highway system.
Next time your travels take you through the Land of Enchantment, follow the billboards and take a well-deserved break at this historic New Mexico travel center. You’ll be walking in the footsteps of countless Route 66 travelers who’ve been stopping at this very spot for over eight decades!
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